The Naked Truth About…Greek Cooking!
Go Greek Cooking 101…the Basics!
Greek cooking not only can be but IS complicated at times so preparation will be your key to success! Get organized and plan ahead. Read through the recipe a couple of times to get familiar with what you’ll need to put on your shopping list, the cookware and utensils used, and how much time it’ll take for prep and cooking/baking. Is there anything in the recipe that needs to be done ahead, like soaking beans in water overnight? Are there any ingredients that can be prepared ahead or a day or two before, like chopping nuts? Getting a head start will save you time in the kitchen when you’re assembling your recipe. You’ll be surprised how easy Greek cooking (or any kind of cooking) can be when you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the dish you choose to make.
Recipes list ingredients in the order they are used, so after you measure, chop, weigh, etc., line everything up on your workspace in the order listed. Do the same with your measuring spoons/cups, cooking utensils and cookware. If you’re baking or roasting (not broiling), preheat the oven to the temperature listed for at least 15 minutes before using. Prepare your baking pans/sheets (grease and/or flour, if instructed) before starting.
Our Kukla made it a practice to clean as you go. This keeps your workspace (and your mind) tidy. Start by making sure your sink and dishwasher have been emptied so you’ll have room for your dirty bowls, pans, etc. Better yet, draft one (or more) of your kids to be your sous chef (deputy chef). Get them a chef’s hat or a special apron with their name on it so they feel they’re an important part of your kitchen team. Let them help you measure out ingredients and ask them to clean up behind you (a.k.a. wash dishes or fill the dishwasher). Spills happen so have a sponge or paper towels handy to wipe them up right away. Keeping it clean will help you to remain organized, work faster, and stay focused.
Our Kukla made it a practice to clean as you go. This keeps your workspace (and your mind) tidy. Start by making sure your sink and dishwasher have been emptied so you’ll have room for your dirty bowls, pans, etc. Better yet, draft one (or more) of your kids to be your sous chef (deputy chef). Get them a chef’s hat or a special apron with their name on it so they feel they’re an important part of your kitchen team. Let them help you measure out ingredients and ask them to clean up behind you (a.k.a. wash dishes or fill the dishwasher). Spills happen so have a sponge or paper towels handy to wipe them up right away. Keeping it clean will help you to remain organized, work faster, and stay focused.
If you’re making something like spinach-pie triangles (for meze, a.k.a. apps) or cookies, draft your sous chef to help you fold, roll or shape. Your kids will love it, plus it’ll cut your prep time in half and you’ll have company to make it fun!
Our recipes will list prep and cook/bake times, along with the degree of difficulty (from easy to challenging). Use common sense. If you know you’re slower or more meticulous in the kitchen (which is totally okay!), give yourself some extra time. Don’t make something involved like pastries or bread on a day you have concert tickets.
Our recipes will list prep and cook/bake times, along with the degree of difficulty (from easy to challenging). Use common sense. If you know you’re slower or more meticulous in the kitchen (which is totally okay!), give yourself some extra time. Don’t make something involved like pastries or bread on a day you have concert tickets.
Enjoy each step of the Greek cooking and baking process…maybe put on some Greek music to get you in that Mediterranean mood. We recommend Stamatis Kokotas Greatest Hits…it’s a classic! But if you prefer someone new, Giannis Ploutarhos is the hottest thing going.
Make cooking special by bringing your family to the preparation table as well as the dining table…you’ll reap the delicious rewards when you sit down to eat. The family that cooks Greek together says “OPA!” together…but use the dishes for serving, not for breaking (they do it in the movies but we don’t really do that at home)!
We’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
Make cooking special by bringing your family to the preparation table as well as the dining table…you’ll reap the delicious rewards when you sit down to eat. The family that cooks Greek together says “OPA!” together…but use the dishes for serving, not for breaking (they do it in the movies but we don’t really do that at home)!
We’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
Copyright © 2014 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
